Job search tips

When should I start searching for summer jobs?

Your spring break recently came to an end and, chances are, your focus is on getting back into your normal routine and not on starting your summer job search. In between studying for finals, catching up with friends and debating the merits of “The Hunger Games’” Team Peeta vs. Team Gale, you should be starting your search ASAP. While summer may seem like a distant thought, employers are looking for seasonal help now, and this isn't a lesson you will want to learn too late in the game.

According to Snagajob research, over 60 percent of employers will begin looking for summer candidates by April . You may be thinking, "April!? That doesn't make sense; I have way too much on my plate right now to start thinking about summer jobs." While this may be true, employers want to get seasonal help lined up as soon as they can, so they can start thinking about scheduling, training, etc...

By applying early, you will not only show your desire for the position, you will also be showing the employers you are taking your search seriously and will be an asset to the company. If you wait until June, you may not have as many options and will fall behind those who applied before you.

Block out some time in the upcoming weeks to freshen up your resume and let the search begin! Stick to your schedule and follow this summer job advice to find out what summer employers are looking for. Check out all of our summer job articles for ideas, advice and descriptions.

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Kim is a job-search coach for Snagajob! She's a Certified Professional Resume Writer and a Certified Employment Interview Professional. When she's not helping with job searches, she can be found hanging with her hubby, Matt, and puppy, Belle.

Discussion

I had a part time job I enjoyed, but I lost that when the school I worked at closed. For the last three years, I’ve been looking for something full time. I will take part time, at least it would be something. So all year round I’ve been looking and so far nothing.

I don’t blame anyone really, it’s the economy. It’s a tough world. Good luck to all who are looking for summer work or any kind of job.

Hi Sheila indeed what a Great attitude I also have Benn looking for something more stable income site as I too work in a school but have not made nearly enough to support myself, please hang tough and never give up, I hop you land a job very quickly!

glad to know that you was still searching for jobs in those three years. that not only gives me great motivation but great confidence as well. i will keep on searching for jobs and hope and pray in the name of jesus that i land something big and prosperous too. have a great day and thanks for the great advice!!

Hi Monique! The good news is that you are starting now. Don’t get frustrated, it is early in the game! It is great that you have a resume and references, but make sure you double and triple check your resume and applications for spelling and grammar mistakes. For example, capitalizing the first letter of every word can make your resume a little difficult to read. Also, be sure to check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/what-summer-employers-are-looking-for/ to see the traits employers are looking for summer hires. Good luck and keep us posted!

Would it be bad if I applied for summer jobs, but put down part time instead of full? Even if I still have a relatively flexible schedule? I need to take some summer classes, and the schedule for them is usually an hour or two a day for 3-5 days a week.

It will still hold me back even if it’s just an hour or 2 a few days a week? The rest of my time would be available for me to work. If I did get an interview, what is the “right” way to tell them about the one or two other commitments I have so they don’t think I’m not available?

Hi Dixie – Since it’s such a small amount of time I wouldn’t mention it until the end of the hiring process. Perhaps the second interview? The negotiation phase? Use your best judgement but I wouldn’t do it at the beginning of the first interview. Be sure to stress that it would only be 2 hours max. I don’t want you to give them any red flags. Reassure them that you are available the majority of the time and can usually work when called in. With so much competition out there, you want to make sure you give them everything they need to be hired. When will you know your class schedule? If you can tell them exactly the times you cannot work, try to make sure it isn’t a peak time (lunch and dinner rush for restaurants) and that you will be around on the weekends. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you, keep us posted on your progress!

I have been looking for a Summer Job since the beginning of March and even though I get interviews, they always go with other candidates. I NEED A JOB NOW. How do I keep from getting discouraged? I feel like I’ve applied everywhere that I can. I’m even getting help from Vocational Rehabilitation in my town because of my disability. What am I doing wrong?

Hi Amanda! The good news is that if you’re getting interviews, your resume/application must be in good shape. Try doing a practice interview with a friend or family member. The more you practice, the more confident you will come across. Also, they may be able to tell you something you didn’t realize you were doing wrong! I’ve done this before, and I was surprised to learn that I had a bad habit of playing with my hair. This was distracting to interviewers. Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions!

hi my name is nadia from morocco i’m new here juste 1 year and 5 months i study english in some school i talk little bite no more so i’m looking for some job but i can’t find it i live in durham nc no body help me so i tried all time to find but nothing to do i want to work make money nad make some friend also practice my english because all word i’m not undestand i need hep

I’ve been looking for a summer job I cant find any in my area. If I apply somewhere they don’t call back or I don’t get anywhere. I’m beginning to worry that I won’t find a summer job at this rate. Help.

WHY DO I HAVE A PROBLEM HEARING FROM ANY OF THE APPLICATIONS APPLIED FOR? YOU HAVE ALL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION, HOWEVER, NO ONE HAS GIVEN ME THE COURTESY OF A N OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT MYSELF IN AN INTERVIEW. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE EARLY THIS YEAR. I AM BEGINNING TO WONDER IF IT IS THE AGE REQUIREMENT. 1943 IS THE YEAR I WAS BORN. I AM VERY HARD-WORKING,HONEST AND DEPENDABLE. Joan